Speeches: Literary and Social

BOSTON, APRIL 8, 1868

[Mr. Dickens gave his last Reading at Boston, on the above date.
On his entrance a surprise awaited him. His reading-stand had been
decorated with flowers and palm-leaves by some of the ladies of the
city. He acknowledged this graceful tribute in the following
words:- "Before allowing Dr. Marigold to tell his story in his own
peculiar way, I kiss the kind, fair hands unknown, which have so
beautifully decorated my table this evening." After the Reading,
Mr. Dickens attempted in vain to retire. Persistent hands demanded
"one word more." Returning to his desk, pale, with a tear in his
eye, that found its way to his voice, he spoke as follows:-]

Ladies and gentlemen,--My gracious and generous welcome in America,
which can never be obliterated from my remembrance, began here. My
departure begins here, too; for I assure you that I have never
until this moment really felt that I am going away. In this brief
life of ours, it is sad to do almost anything for the last time,
and I cannot conceal from you, although my face will so soon be
turned towards my native land, and to all that makes it dear, that
it is a sad consideration with me that in a very few moments from
this time, this brilliant hall and all that it contains, will fade
from my view--for ever more. But it is my consolation that the
spirit of the bright faces, the quick perception, the ready
response, the generous and the cheering sounds that have made this
place delightful to me, will remain; and you may rely upon it that
that spirit will abide with me as long as I have sense and
sentiment left.

I do not say this with any limited reference to private friendships
that have for years upon years made Boston a memorable and beloved
spot to me, for such private references have no business in this
public place. I say it purely in remembrance of, and in homage to,
the great public heart before me.

Ladies and gentlemen, I beg most earnestly, most gratefully, and
most affectionately, to bid you, each and all, farewell